Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. has ordered another so-called Ultra
Voyager cruise ship that would be the biggest afloat at about
163,000 tons with capacity for 3,600 guests. Estimated cost is $750
million.
RCCL ordered the first Ultra-Voyager for delivery in spring of
2006 from the Kvaerner Masa-Yards in Finland. The sister ship is
scheduled for delivery in spring 2007.
“Despite adverse foreign exchange rates, building a sister ship
results in beneficial cost efficiencies and an all-in dollar cost
that is essentially the same as the first Ultra Voyager,” RCCL said
in a press statement.
Meanwhile, rumors from Europe say Carnival Corp. might be
considering placing another newbuild order with Fincantieri in
Italy for its Costa brand, reports industry online newsletter
Seatrade Insider, citing reports in the Italian financial press.
Fincantieri is currently constructing two ships for Costa: the
105,000-ton Costa Magica, slated for delivery in November, and an
112,000-ton vessel, which will be ready mid-2006.
